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Food donations support many in need, but nonprofits must not overlook their legal risks and obligations in distributing donated items. Every day, food is wasted by restaurants, growers and stores. This is in part because potential donors fail to understand food donation policy or fear possible liability. Fortunately, a federal law known as the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act provides fairly broad protections to food donors and nonprofits distributing donated food. This article provides an overview of the Good Samaritan Act and some factors to consider for nonprofits engaged in or considering engaging in food donations.